- Region
- North America
- Origin
- Moist Douglas fir and coast redwood forests from British Columbia to northern California
- Traditions
- Hupa medicine
North America · Herb · № 975
Oxalis oregana
Herb · North America
Redwood sorrel
Oxalis oregana
A low wood sorrel with large clover-like leaves and white or pink flowers, forming carpets under the trees. The leaf tastes sour from oxalic acid.
Safety notes
Contains oxalic acid, like spinach and sorrel: do not eat large amounts, and not with kidney stones or gout. Traditional use is no proof of effect; consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Hupa medicine: Contains oxalic acid: do not eat much, and not with kidney stones or gout.
Preparation
Chew a few fresh leaves.
Use in traditions
In the Hupa story of the beginning of the world, Yimantuwinyai woke with a belly so swollen that he could not roll over. He saw redwood sorrel growing, chewed it and was cured. 'This plant will be the people's medicine,' he said. Then he went across the ocean to his grandmother and said: 'I have made the medicines for the people.'
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Hupa medicine
Attributed effects
For a swollen belly: so Yimantuwinyai was cured, who made the plant 'everybody's medicine'.
Preparation and amount
Chew a few fresh leaves.
Caution: Contains oxalic acid: do not eat much, and not with kidney stones or gout.